The Singing Community

Congregational song is of paramount importance in the Lutheran tradition, and is alive and well at St. Luke. The wide-ranging resources of the Evangelical Lutheran Worship are utilized to keep the great hymnody of the ages alive, bring new song to the table, as well as to vary the settings of the liturgy seasonally.  We currently rotate settings one, three, four, five, and ten, and occasionally use Now the Feast.  

Choir

The choir sings most Sundays during the academic year, as well as for other liturgical functions. They lead the psalm and offer an anthem, as well as an occasional communion motet. The approximately 30 members of the choir reflect the diversity of the congregation of St. Luke. New members are always welcome. Rehearsals are at 9:15 am Sundays for the 10:45 service. Their repertoire draws on many eras of sacred music, from chant and the Renaissance to the present day. Their annual Advent Lessons and Carols service is a highlight of the pre-Christmas season. 

Instrumentalists

The several instrumentalists of the congregation participate in various ways throughout the church year.

Guest Musicians

The congregation is fortunate to be able to draw on the rich resources of the Ithaca musical community for various occasions throughout the year. 

Participation

Anyone interested in participating is invited to contact the director of music Erik Kibelsbeck after the service or at ekibelsbeck@ithaca.edu or (607) 725-1334.

Director of Music

Erik Kibelsbeck has been at St. Luke since 2004.  A member of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, he has attended several of their conferences around the country.  He has also been the music director of the Onondaga Civic Symphony Orchestra in Syracuse since 2001.  By day Erik manages concerts and facilities for the Ithaca College School of Music.  His master's degree is in orchestral conducting from Ithaca College and his undergraduate studies were at the Eastman School of Music in bassoon and music education.  Between degrees he taught high school orchestra in Oklahoma for six years.